Chestnut-backed Sparrow-Weaver Plocepasser rufoscapulatus Scientific name definitions

18 cm; 39–49 g. Large sparrow-like weaver with heavy black and white head stripes and rufous back. Has forehead black, broad white central crownstripe surrounded by black band , white supercilium from near bill to nape, black lores and cheek; upperparts rich chestnut-brown, rump grey, tail grey-brown; upperwing dark brown, buffy edges on tertials and wing-coverts, upperwing-coverts with white tips forming wingbars; chin and throat white, black malar stripe ; breast, flanks, belly , thighs and undertail-coverts buffy grey; iris reddish-brown; bill whitish or black (both sexes may have black or white bill in different months, suggesting seasonal colour change); legs pinkish. Sexes alike. Juvenile is patterned like adult, but paler chestnut on back, moustachial stripes indistinct, iris dark brown, bill blackish.